How We Work

Athletes with disabilities now have the many opportunities to participate in sport and to access excellent coaching and facilities, often integrated with able bodied athletes. There are skiers in wheelchairs and with a vision impairment, disabled waterskiiers and even fencers along with swimming and athletics- to name just a few.

However the costs of adaptive equipment are often cost prohibitive, leaving many athletes watching from the sidelines or unable to achieve to the best of their ability.

In addition, athletes may need costly specialized one on one coaching.

Some athletes may need assistance to get to and from training, or even to pay a personal care attendant to help get their training clothes on.

This is why Sporting Dreams has decided to provide athletes with grants to cover these expenses. As each individual is different, athletes can determine how funds will best assist them to achieve their sporting dreams.

Athletes are invited to apply for funding during each year by filling out an application form.

At the close of applications, all athletes will be assessed by a selection panel formed by Sporting Dreams Founder Marayke jonkers and the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association.

The panel will confer with development officers for the state sporting organisations prior to the selection panel meeting and obtain their recommendations in respect of the applicants.

Decisions the panel make will be final.

All applicants will be advised in writing whether they have been successful in receiving a Sporting Dreams Grant.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a grant presentation event where they will receive their cheque. Athletes unable to attend will receive a congratulatory phone call from Marayke and have their cheque posted to them.

Athletes are only eligible to receive a grant every 2 years, in order to give the largest number of athletes an opportunity.

Sporting Dreams are keen to follow the career of all our athletes and will remain in regular contact with athletes throughout the year.

Marayke will also be available to provide mentoring and media training